“For more than six decades, Gordy Soltau has served as a gracious ambassador for the San Francisco 49ers,” team Co-Chairman John York said. “I consider myself very lucky to have developed a close relationship with Gordy, having come to know him as a true gentleman and consummate family man. As a link to the early years of our proud franchise, he possessed a selfless nature that was evident both on the field and through his military service to our country.

“We share with the Soltau family a feeling of great loss and sadness, and will join with them in remembering a man worthy of great love and admiration.”

He was drafted with the 30th overall pick in the third round of the 1950 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was then quickly traded to the Cleveland Browns, where legendary head coach Paul Brown offered him an opportunity to go to the 49ers to start. He played his entire career from 1950-158 with the 49ers.

Each season, he lead the team in points scored and shared the lead only once.

After his retirement, he worked with the 49ers Foundation. He also founded the Northern California Chapter of the NFL’s Alumni Association and served as the President for 29-years.